Fast Chicken Pesto Flatbread

Chicken Pesto Flatbread

If you’re looking for quick, kid-approved meals that satisfy everyone around the table, look no further than this easy and irresistible Chicken Pesto Flatbread! There are so many reasons to love this meal! 

Chicken Pesto Flatbread is a game-changer for busy families and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults alike. Bulk prep chicken ahead of time and use homemade or store-bought pesto, these flatbreads come together in minutes.

This flatbread isn’t just tasty; it’s also a balanced meal that covers all the food groups. With lean protein from the chicken, carbs from the flatbread, and healthy fats from the pesto and cheese, it provides a nutritious combination. 

And here’s how to make ANY flatbread or naan pizza!

Now, if you want to try making pizza dough at home, you MUST try this super easy 2 ingredient dough protein pizza! You can turn it into regular or mini pizza.

Ingredients

• Flatbread or naan bread – there are some good recipes out there but store-bought flatbreads are what I turn to because this meal is meant to be quick and easy. 
• Chicken – Cook a big batch to enjoy throughout the week, like in this flatbread pizza! And here are more delicious chicken recipes for kids using leftover chicken.
• Mozzarella cheese – Highly recommend using fresh mozzarella for best texture and flavor. You can use shredded if you prefer. But be sure to add a good layer of it to prevent it from drying out upon baking.
• Grape tomatoes – you can honestly use any of your favorite toppings here! My kids happen to love tomatoes so that’s what I’m using here.
• Pesto – you can use store-bought or make your own pesto (refer to FAQ section below for easy homemade pesto recipes).

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat oven to 425° Fahrenheit. Place flatbreads directly onto baking sheet or line with parchment paper or baking mat. Spread an even layer of pesto.

Step 2: Add cheese then chicken and tomatoes. Bake for 10-12 minutes. That’s it!

Favorite Toppings

One of the best things about Chicken Pesto Flatbread is its versatility. You can easily tailor it to suit your family’s preferences and dietary needs. From adding extra veggies to experimenting with different cheeses, the possibilities are endless.

• Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and load up your flatbread with an assortment of roasted veggies for a delicious meat-free alternative.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flatbread or pizza crust to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Pesto Sauce Variations: Experiment with different types of pesto, such as basil pesto, sun-dried tomato pesto, or zucchini pesto, to add unique flavor profiles to your flatbread.
• Dairy–Free: Feel free to use your favorite vegan cheese.
• Crust Options: Swap the flatbread for naan or a pita. You can also make your own dough!

Serving Suggestions

For Babies

Serve the pizza deconstructed to make it safer and easier to eat.

Spread some pesto on toasted bread. As for the chicken, finely chop, shred, cut into big strips or bite sized pieces, depending on your baby’s age.

For the mozzarella, slicing into thin rounds will minimize the risk of choking. Hold off on offering cherry tomatoes until 9 months of age. This is because they are cherry tomatoes and you MUST quarter them to minimize the risk.

Quartered or small pieces of food require a pincer grasp which doesn’t develop until around 9 months of age (maybe 8 months for some).

For Toddlers and Kids

This is such a great way to get your child involved in the cooking process. Have them spread the pesto and top with the rest of the ingredients. They are more likely to eat what they make.

If your child is learning to accept mixed foods, serve this deconstructed along with a small piece of cooked flatbread pizza for exposure.

For more examples, check out these EASY toddler lunch and dinner ideas.

How to freeze flatbread pizza

While you have all the ingredients out, go ahead and make extra to freeze for a quick, effortless meal down the road!

First assemble however many pizzas you want to make. Place on a sheet pan and freeze for 30-45 minutes, or until frozen solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag.